Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line said its ship has been
chartered to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to assist
hurricane-recovery efforts in St. Thomas.
The Grand Celebration will head for the storm-stricken
destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands with arrival anticipated on Sept. 23.
The mission is expected to continue into the later part of December, with Grand
Celebration resuming its two-day cruises to Freeport from the Port of Palm
Beach on Dec. 23.
St. Thomas was devastated by Hurricane Irma and is in line
for more hurricane-force winds from Hurricane Maria. While in St. Thomas, the
ship will be used to house National Guard first responders.
"We will be reaching out to all of our guests and
travel partners this week," said Bahamas Paradise CEO Oneil Khosa. "We
feel badly about this 90-day disruption but believe the extensive needs of the
St. Thomas people to be of greater importance at this time."
Guests who have already booked cruises during the next few
months through travel partners should contact their agents about rebooking or
refunds. Those who booked direct can call the customer service department at (800)
374-4363.
The Grand Celebration, originally the Carnival Celebration,
has 750 cabins and space for up to 1,900 guests.